Young Dance Star Asks For Donations to Local Family in Lieu of Birthday Presents

Kyle Anders isn’t your average 9-year-old boy. The fourth grader at doesn’t pick up his baseball bat and hit the field, instead he spends hours in the studio, donning his jazz shoes and hitting the dance floor.

He has been dancing for close to four years, studying jazz, tap, and contemporary dance styles and earning a spot on the Junior Company Competition Team at the in Sykesville, under the direction of Nichole Savage and Brandy Fry.

Kyle has worked on perfecting his technique, which earned him three titles at dance competitions including "Mr. Mini Onstage New York," placing alongside such stars as Maddie Zeigler and Chloe Lukasiak from the hit reality series on Lifetime titled Dance Moms. 

“When I grow up, I hope to dance for a professional dance company, perform on Broadway, be an actor, and have the opportunity to teach dance,” said Kyle.

But his dance skills aren’t the only thing that sets Kyle apart. For his 10th birthday this year Kyle has decided he wants to give back to others instead of receive gifts at his party.

“I wanted to help a family in need who wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving Dinner or gifts from Santa,” said Kyle. “I invited about 35 friends to my party and decided I really do not need anything as much as someone else may.”

Through the help of Wesley Freedom Church, Kyle, along with his friends from his dance studio, have “adopted” a local family in need.

At his birthday party on Saturday, the first party at the brand new in Eldersburg, Kyle asked his friends to bring presents not for himself but in charity for others.

“I feel very proud to be able to give back to those who need it much more than I do,” said Kyle.

“I am extremely humbled and proud of Kyle's compassion and his huge heart, of wanting to give back to those who need it much more than he does,” said Kyle’s mother Sue Anders.

“My husband Kerry and I have always guided our children in the importance of giving back and the difference that you can make in someone's life,” said Anders.

Sue said the donations for dinners and Christmas gifts for the family are already coming in and she plans on having two large baskets for the kids to drop their gifts in on Saturday and a “big” card for them to sign to give to the family receiving the presents.

“I will take some time to share with them before the party of how proud I am of them giving back from their hearts,” said Anders.

“With today’s economy and uncertainty it is important for our children to respect that sometimes life as you know it can change ever so quickly and you need to take the time each day to help one another.”